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New Opportunities: The New York ISO named Mary McGarvey its vice president and chief financial officer, effective March 1.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced that its board of directors elected Barbara Barcon as vice president, finance and chief financial officer, effective March 24. Greg Kiraly also was elected vice president, maintenance and construction in the utility’s energy delivery organization, effective April 14.

MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. announced that Gregory E. Abel became the chief executive officer on April 16, succeeding David Sokol who remains chairman. Abel will continue in his current roles as president of MidAmerican Energy Holdings, chairman and CEO of PacifiCorp, chief executive officer of CE Electric UK, and chief executive of MidAmerican Energy Co.

Con Edison announced Carole Sobin as secretary and associate general counsel effective April 1. Sobin had been vice president of purchasing since March 2002.

Pepco Holdings announced that Joseph M. Rigby will assume the title of president and chief operating officer. Rigby previously was executive vice president and chief operating officer. Kirk Emge will become senior vice president and general counsel from vice president of legal services. For Pepco Holdings regulated utility subsidiaries, William M. Gausman will become senior vice president, asset management and planning, and Michael J. Sullivan will become senior vice president, operations. Pepco Energy Services announced Stephen J. Fabiani as vice president and general manager for its New England business.

Edison International and Southern California Edison announced three key executive moves effective April 1. Ronald L. Litzinger , SCE’s senior vice president, transmission and distribution business unit, became the chairman, president and CEO of Edison Mission Group, succeeding Theodore F. Craver, Jr. , who became president of Edison International as previously announced. Pedro J. Pizarro , senior vice president, power procurement at SCE, became executive vice president, power operations, which is a new position. James A. Kelly , vice president, engineering and technical services, transmission and distribution business unit at SCE, will assume the role of senior vice president and head the business unit.

Xcel Energy named Paul Johnson , managing director, investor relations, to the position of managing director, investor relations and assistant treasurer for Excel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries.

National Fuel Gas Co. appointed David F. Smith as chief executive, succeeding Phil Ackerman , who will retire from that position June 1, while continuing as chairman of the board. Smith will continue as the company’s president. He was elected to the company’s board in 2007 and has served as president and chief operating officer since 2006.

Cleco Corp. named Charles A. Mannix vice president of tax and treasurer.

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